The film "Humint" (director Ryu Seung-wan, distributed/provided by NEW, produced by Oeyunaegang) has taken hold of theaters during the Lunar New Year holiday thanks to explosive word of mouth, and favorable reviews from a diverse audience continue to draw attention.
The action blockbuster "Humint," which opens 2026, has settled into theaters during the Lunar New Year holiday on the strength of hot word of mouth, drawing attention as audiences from a wide range of groups — college students, office workers, and former NIS officials — recommend the film. First, Chae Seong-jun, a professor in the department of military studies at Seokyeong University and a former NIS official, noted, "It convincingly portrays the dangers and isolation intelligence agents must endure, and the personal life and sacrifices hidden behind them," calling attention to the film's realism. Defector YouTuber "Seohyeon-gyeong from the North" praised the film's entertainment value, saying, "Actor Park Jeongmin's performance was very impressive. I really enjoyed it!"
Nam Sung-wook, a former president of the Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) and currently a distinguished professor at Sookmyung Women's University, said, "A love story that seeps into a fierce intelligence war," expressing satisfaction with the meeting of realistic material and genre. Director Byun Young-joo, who directed The Mantis: Original Sin and Helpless, praised the film, saying, "In the new work of a master action director I discover astonishing scenes and feel catharsis." Students in university departments related to national security and similar fields expressed deep empathy for the character Director Cho, who appears as a black-agent NIS officer, and office workers called "Humint" a "cure for Monday blues," recommending it as a must-see cinematic experience in theaters. In this way, the film "Humint" brings the concept of "Humint" into reality and is receiving wide love from diverse audiences.
The action blockbuster "Humint," decorating theaters this winter, tells the story of people with different aims clashing in Vladivostok, where secrets and truth are submerged in a cold sea of ice, and is now being widely screened nationwide.
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